That’s right, the new store is to be the world’s first non-profit department store. The company hasn’t decided which charities will benefit from the sales garnered at the store, or what marketing strategies they’re going to use, but they’re sure their business model will be successful. The company says that this venture has its basis in a spirit of philanthropy, and it will not display the Nordstrom name or any of its branding.

So, why be involved, then, if Nordstrom won’t even be officially branded? Some insiders speculate that this approach is based on contemporary consumer’s increasing knowledge of the business ventures of the stores they shop in. The logic follows that if customers know what Nordstrom is up to, and Nordstrom just happens to be up to charitable giving, that consumers will feel good about shopping at Nordstrom. Sounds about right to me.

Well, Peoples has upped the glamour factor on these babies by adding diamonds. They are only available in two colors: white gold with white diamonds and yellow gold with yellow diamonds, and they are only available at the Ilori boutiques in Las Vegas and on Rodeo Drive.

These elegant and extravagant gold frames will set you back. They’re $23,500 for the white gold, which is only sold on Rodeo Drive and features 3.53 carats of VVS white diamonds. Or, you might opt for the yellow gold pair at $25,000, which sports 3.57 carats of VVS yellow diamonds. Either way, your face will look fabulous.

A Second Chance is not the place to go, however, if you’re looking for a major bargain. It’s just not that kind of place. Prices are about 10-20% below retail for more contemporary items, but the big draws are the vintage pieces that you just can’t find anywhere else, like this vintage Chanel pearl stick pin, circa 1997.

This fabulous safety-pin shaped faux pearl stick pin retails at A Second Chance for around $650, but the price just isn’t the point. The point is that this is a rare Chanel piece from over a decade ago and you just can’t buy it anywhere.

You also can’t shop online. Except for the occasional partnership with an already-existing online store, A Second Chance doesn’t sell its merchandise online. So, if you want to get your hands on an especially rare Birkin, you’re just going to have to hop a flight. Or at least pick up the phone.

Roberto Cavalli

He has been on the top of every major design implemented in the fashion business.  In addition to revolutionizing the industry, especially if it had to do with patchwork and printing on leather, denim, silk, or hosiery.

His Spring and Fall 2010 lines are still going strong.  Ninety percent of the items designed by Mr. Cavalli is made of one hundred percent silk, or top of the line leather.  His whole line is made in and shipped from Italy.  Who said animal prints are dead?  Right now most of his designs for 2010 implement some sort of animal print and they look fantastic.

Certain items in the line can go for around $675 to $2,000, from t-shirts to cocktail dresses.  You will be amazed at the quality and style that Roberto Cavalli represents.

Starting Thursday the new Westfield Mall will be delighting all with 43 acres of shopping paradise.  With 265 shops, a 14-screen cinema, 50 restaurants, gym, spa and a library, this will be a destination in the London-area, and maybe even for Europeans.  I know I wanna go!